― My background
Printing Technologist with 20 years of experience and with exclusive 16 years of experience in Banknote Security & Brand Protection, I have had the privilege of working with some of the most advanced technologies in the industry. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new, and I am committed to continuous growth and development, thanks to the incredible people who have been part of my journey.
I thrive on solving problems and understanding the business from an end-user's perspective. This unique viewpoint allows me to create products that address real-time challenges effectively.
Mentoring colleagues is one of my passions, and I often engage in lively discussions about our industry during lunch hours. Sharing knowledge and nurturing talent brings me great satisfaction.
― Skills
New Product Development Lean Six Sigma
Risk Assessment
Liaising
Go-to-market strategy
Industries Experience
News Paper Printing
Commercial Offset Ink Manufacturing
Security Ink Manufacturing ( Offset , Intaglio , Numbering & OVI )
Banknote Printing
Security Document Printing
Water Mark Paper Manufacturing
Security Thread & Stripe Manufacturing
Physical Brand Protection
Technology Exposure
Web & Sheet Offset ( Wet & Dry Both )
Ink Manufacturing ( Mixing , Grinding , Filling)
Banknote Printing ( Intaglio , Offset , Silk
Screen , Hot Stamping , NumberingVarnishing , Flexography)
Passport Printing
Security Thread Embedding in WMP Paper
Security Thread Manufacturing
Tax Stamp Application
― Work experience
Senior Technologies / Project Head (R&D)
Crane Currency / Sweden & Malta / May 2018 - May 2023
Spearheading new product development for banknotes, employing Stage Gate processes encompassing Cotton Paper, Printing Techniques (Offset, Intaglio, Silk Screen, Hot Stamping, Numbering & Varnishing), and Security thread & foils
Qualifying Crane IP products on third-party equipment and manufacturing, providing training for optimal performance.
Technical Lead for the development of Motion Surface , which is considered as the most secured security features in current times
Technical Project Manger for developing IP for print security features
Key Achievements:
Product Launch: Successfully launched Motion® Surface & Rapid® Vision the most innovated banknote security features in industry
Client Retention: Led the application development of Motion® Surface on Polymer, exceeding client expectations.
Savings: Led a transformative continuous improvement project, resulting in an additional revenue generation of 0.5 million over 5 years.
Technical Head
Authentix / Canada / June 2023 - Present
Currently leading the development and optimization efforts for printing and coating of security foils, specifically for banknote and brand protection
Managing and nurturing relationships with OEM partners, ensuring alignment with customer application criteria. Continuously optimizing processes to enhance efficiency and quality, while minimizing waste and downtime
Overseeing the comprehensive qualification of new machinery, from installation to negotiation processes, spanning Flexography, Slot Die, Mayor Rod, Die Cutting, Slitting, and Winding technologies
Leading the qualification and application of security foils, specializing in Hot & Cold foil stamping, both at our facility and customer sites, adhering rigorously to standards.
Driving the establishment and growth of a proficient team dedicated to coating and converting operations. This includes recruitment, training, and ongoing personnel management to ensure project excellence
Technical Manager
SICPA / India August 2010 - February 2017
Developing Banknote and Value Document inks meeting colour, viscosity, adhesion, and durability requirements.
Providing guidance and support on ink-related matters; troubleshooting, recommending solutions, and conducting training
Addressing and resolving customer inquiries to enhance satisfaction . Attending customer complains within 24 Hrs !
Key Accounts Manager : I managed four Banknote Printing Presses of India (SPMCIL & BRBNMPL), generating 99% of the business, while also overseeing marketing intelligence by monitoring market development and competitive activity
EOI & Tender preparation for new opportunities
Key Achievements:
Appreciation from management & central bank India for leadership during New Series Banknote development in 2016 – 17
Deputy Manager Production
TOYO India / India 2009 - 2010
Headed the entire manufacturing process of Sheet Fed, Web Offset Inks & UV Varnish .
Directed and supervised a team of 50 manufacturing plant employees and 5 office shift managers, ensuring smooth operations and productivity.
Key Achievements:
Operational Improvement: Transitioned from 1 shift to 2 shifts, increasing volume from 30 MT to 55 MT within two months.
Assistant Manager Production
Times Of India / India 2005 - 2009
Overseen the production of newspaper printing and everyday maintenance
Responsible for printing of .7 Million Copies everyday of Time Of India , Mumbai
Operated Manroland M/c Colorman & Geoman
Production planning and inventory management
Core team member for the installation and commissioning of Colorman
Key Achievements:
Cost Reduction: Achieved significant savings in newsprint consumption.
Reduction in web breaks : Optimization of web tensions which reduced significant number of web breaks
― Education
Manipal University
Bachelor's of Engineering (Printing Technology)
― Courses
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
CSSC / 2024
Project Management
Certification, Project Management from Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode
IIM Kozhikode/ 2022
“My vision is to create a world free of counterfeit products, ensuring that everything we use and consume is genuine and trustworthy. I am dedicated to turning this vision into reality by developing and scaling new technologies that enhance document security and reliability. With 24 years of industry experience, I aim to contribute significantly to the printing sector. Ultimately, I aspire to look back on my career with pride, knowing that my efforts have made a meaningful impact on the world of secure documents and anticounterfeiting ”
I had a pleasure to work with Pankaj at Crane Currency. We both were involved in one of the largest R&D projects in the company's history, with Pankaj managing implementation of the production process in the manufacturing facility in Sweden. His dedication to the project, attention to details and leadership skills made cooperation between the US and Sweden teams easy and productive. Pankaj made sure that R&D group in the US was getting timely, detailed and thorough reports of all manufacturing activities. R&D team could always count on Pankaj to execute all trials precisely with a great attention to details.
I am confident that Pankaj will be a great asset for any organization.
He is has very rich knowledge about printing industry and ink industry. As you worked in both types of organisation so understand the limitation and how to exploit the technology to achieve the maximum. Your thrust for learning, determination and focus to work make you great ,our best wishes for your new assignment